It "encourage(s) and support(s) individuals and groups to be proactive in the protection of their own and others' rights; and to struggle to promote democracy and human rights in accordance with international norms."

Its four objectives include:

(1) Promoting civil, political, and economic freedom.

(2) Ending racial discrimination.

(3) Disseminating human rights culture.

(4) Supporting and protecting victims' rights.

Bahraini human rights activists risk life and limb. Pro-democracy supporters are terrorized. Some have their citizenship revoked. Others face arrests, beatings, imprisonment, torture, and at times death.

On December 24, BCHR[1] headlined, "Bahrain: Escalating state violence against peaceful protesters in lack of international accountability and using western arms."

Collaboratively with doctors, BCHR discussed recent examples of injuries sustained. It did so "to present the most thorough and accurate description" of serious human rights violations.

On December 16, King Hamad called Bahrain "a country of law and freedom." Repression is official policy. On December 17, BCHR's acting vice president, Sayed Yousi, said authorities made 27 arbitrary arrests.

On December 19, armed police in civilian clothes attacked a young Al Duraz resident. They raided his home pre-dawn. He sustained multiple deep forearm wounds. His left hand remains numb.

Excessive force is standard policy. Bahranis are ruthlessly terrorized. Peaceful protesters are targeted. "BCHR regularly receives a large number of reports of injuries." Many are serious. Seeking treatment is hazardous.

BCHR expressed deep concern and disappointment about international community silence. It holds America and other Western countries most responsible.

It urged all nations stop supplying Bahrain with arms, ammunition, and political support. It demands long overdue condemnation and isolation of a rogue regime.

Zainab Alkhawaja is a prominent Bahraini human rights activist. She's Abdulhadi Alkhawaja's daughter. He co-founded BCHR. He was its first president.

He served as Front Line Defenders' Middle East and North Africa Protection Coordinator. He worked as a member of the International Advisory Network of the Business and Human Rights Resource Center.

He's one of Bahrain's best. He remains imprisoned for life. He risked everything courageously supporting human rights.

Zainab was arrested. She protested outside Abdulhadi's prison hospital. She wouldn't leave. She called out her father's name. She demanded he be released. Other protesters with her were also arrested.

She was lawlessly detained. She was sentenced to one month imprisonment and fined. She was denied counsel and family contacts. She was accused of "inciting hatred against the regime through chanting political slogans."

She was arrested numerous times before. Thirteen cases remain active against her. She spent months in prison earlier. She's vulnerable to rearrest any time.

Current BCHR president Nabeel Rajab was imprisoned numerous times for supporting human rights. He was targeted again after being interviewed on Russia Today.

On December 25, The New York Times[2] provided rare op-ed space. Truth got a rare opportunity. Zainab's commentary was featured. Her outspokenness leaves her vulnerable. She may face arrest like Nabeel.

She headlined "Bahrain, a Brutal Ally," saying:

In early December, nineteen-year old Aqeel Abudul Mohsen protested peacefully. Security forces shot him in the face.

"He was covered with blood, with the lower side of his face blown open, his jaw shattered, and a broken hand hanging awkwardly from his wrist."

"It's one of those images that you wish you had never seen, and can never forget."

He needed 10 hours of surgery. Police stood guard. Until he regained consciousness, he couldn't be interrogated.

"Others have lain bleeding without medical attention while government security agents asked questions like: "Were you participating in a protest? Who else was with you?"

Al Khalifa monarchs ruled Bahrain for over two centuries. It's home to America's Fifth Fleet. Oppressed Bahrainis began protesting after Mubarak's ouster.

"With newfound hope, (they) took to the streets. Rich and poor, Shiite and Sunni, liberal and religious, they felt what it was like to speak freely for the first time."

Bahrainis see little difference between American and Saudi brutes. They're concerned only about their own self-interest. They deplore democracy. They crush it when emerges.

American double standards are especially galling. Washington abhors human rights it claims to support. It condemns regional violence. It turns a blind eye to horrific Bahraini crimes against humanity.

It fully supports its regional ally. Double standard duplicity "cost(s) America its credibility across the region." It's understood that "if you are an ally of America, then you can get away" with murder and other human rights abuses.

Al Khalifa despots believe they have international immunity. They commit "widespread human rights violations." They conduct business as usual.

They buy arms and negotiate lucrative deals. They govern with impunity. Bahrain's best languish in prison. Change remains a distant hope.

Bahrainis struggle courageously anyway. Freedom is too important to sacrifice. It's outrageous "that America continues to back a regime" it should condemn. It's official US policy.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book is titled "Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.